28 February 2011

When we moved into our home last fall, window coverings were a priority. I'm slowly working on replacing the ugly vertical blinds and broken miniblinds left by the previous owners. As I was looking for inspiration, I saw these lovelies on the Pottery Barn Website...but there was no way I could justify spending $65 per panel.

So, I thought I 'd try making my own version. The first attempt had mixed results. I didn't get the smocking quite right, and because I had hemmed the sides, they hung kind of wonky.

Here's the new version:

While these curtains may not have "true" smocking, I think my knock-off version looks pretty convincing...and believe it or not it's really quite simple. It just takes a LOT of time. Plan on at least two romantic movies per panel. This is not a quick and done project, but the effort is well worth it.

I purchased this white sheer voile fabric from fabric.com. Total cost $35, minus 15% off. I got 12 yards, 59"wide, which was enough for my two windows, and two sets of sidelight curtains...with still some left over. Much better than $260 plus shipping. It is 100% polyester, but I found that it was really forgiving and easy to work with. Cotton would have been better, but I have a feeling these will last longer in the super bright southern exposure.

Ready to make some of your own? You'll need:

Your chosen fabric (something sheer would be best)

The curtain rod you'll be using (so you can make sure the pocket is the right size, and you can shirr on the fabric to judge where you need your smocking.)

Love these drapes! I've had my eye on them for quite some time...owned the PB ones when they originally had them in Porcelain blue but returned them because the color wasn't right. Then, they came out in white! (By then I was unemployed and poor. Heehee) I am going to give these a go for the bathroom! Thank you, my talented friend! Also, for your window picture dilemma, did you see this post? http://www.freckledlaundry.com/2011/01/gray-paint-color-tips-for-taking-photos.html

Post a Comment

All tutorials and patterns presented here are created by Christine Pickup, copyright 2009-2014, or respective copyrights of my guests. You are welcome to create to your heart's content, for personal use only, please.